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Jesus says, I am the vine, you are the branches. If you abide in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Welcome to the Abide in Me podcast. This summer we will be hearing from different voices, each bringing you reflections, songs, and liturgy to help us stay connected to the vine. This week we are joined by our missions director, Luis Torres.

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Hear these words from the book that we love in Luke chapter 24, verses 13 to 35. Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Amais, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, What are you discussing together as you walk along? They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them named Cleopus, asked him, Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know these things that have happened there in these days? What things? he asked. About Jesus of Nazareth? They replied. He was a prophet, powerful in word indeed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him, but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all of this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but didn't find his body. They came and told us, and they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus. He said to them, How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all the prophets had spoken. Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in the scriptures concerning himself. As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, stay with us, for it is nearly evening, and the day is almost over. So he went and to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us? They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven and those with them assembled together, and saying, It is true the Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon. Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Last time we talked about learning to truly see people. Today I want to talk about staying present when life gets complicated. And for this I want to look at Luke chapter twenty four, the story of the road to Emmaus. It takes place after the resurrection, but the disciples do not yet understand what God is doing. Two followers of Jesus are walking away from Jerusalem, discouraged, confused, grieving, and disoriented. In many ways, they are wondering. And what does Jesus do? He walks with them. I love that Jesus does not immediately correct them. He does not rush the conversation. He does not overwhelm them with answers. Instead, he accompanies them. Scripture says Jesus himself came up and walked along with them. That line feels incredibly important in a wandering world because we live in a culture that has become very good at leaving. When conversations become difficult, we withdraw. When relationships become complicated, we distance ourselves. When people disappoint us, we move on. But when humanity wandered, God did not respond with distance, He responded with presence. Jesus joined these disciples on the road in the middle of their confusion and disappointment. He listens to their grief, he asks questions, he stays with them long enough for their hearts to begin to burning again with hope. And eventually they recognize him in the breaking of bread. I think this is such a powerful image of missional presence. Sometimes the most Christ-like thing we could do is simply stay near people long enough for hope to re-emerge. At Pillar, we often talk about reconciling divisions, redeeming the city, and renewing the church. But reconciliation requires proximity. You cannot reconcile from a distance. You cannot love your neighbor while remaining disconnected from their pain. Some of the most meaningful ministry happens not because someone had perfect words, but because someone stayed. Stayed long enough to listen, stayed long enough to mourn, stayed long enough to understand, stayed long enough to build trust. And honestly, that kind of presence can feel costly. It is easier to avoid difficult people. It is easier to stay comfortable. It is easier to move on. But Jesus shows us another way. He walks with the wandering people, and now he invites us to do the same. So maybe this week the invitation is not to fix everyone around you. Maybe the invitation is simply to stay present, present with your family, present with your neighbor, present with someone grieving, present in uncomfortable conversations, present where God is already moving. Because in a wandering world, Christians become reminders that nobody has to wander alone. So this week, may we resist the temptation to withdraw from difficult places and difficult people. May we have the courage to remain present, to walk alongside others the way Christ walks alongside us. Because the road to Emmaus reminds us that even people cannot recognize Jesus, he is still walking with them. And perhaps one of the most missional things we can do in a wandering world is to become companions on the road. People who carry hope, patience, and a steady presence of Christ into places that feel weary and uncertain. Grace and peace, friends, and may the presence of Christ meet you on every road you walk this week.

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Thanks for joining us. If you have any questions, comments, or would like prayer, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us at abide at pillarchurch.com. And for now, if you're willing, receive this blessing. The peace of God, which passes all understanding. Keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit remain with you always.